Provincial Government Supporting Sault-Based Company’s Clinical Studies eQOL, a Sault Ste. Marie-based company working to enhance patient independence and access to healthcare resources, is receiving funding from the provincial government, announced David Orazietti, MPP.
“With this support from our government, eQOL is able to use their innovative new technology in clinical studies – the first step towards commercializing the technology,” said Orazietti. “This software will not only enhance the quality of life for dialysis patients, but will also benefit our health care system and community as it streamlines processes and alleviates strain on hospital resources.”
A provincial investment of $415,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) will allow eQOL to complete clinical studies utilizing their Dialysis Platform for Communication, Assistance and Training (DiCAT) product. In addition, the NOHFC will provide eQOL with $20,475 in funding to hire an intern under the Northern Ontario Internship Program.
DiCAT is a mobile technology solution for independent/home dialysis that aims to simplify and reduce the intimidation that patients experience with this self-care process. The iPad and web-based applications will provide enhanced connectivity, access to resources, and process management, which will promote a shift from in-centre care to in-home care.
The successful completion of the clinical study and implementation of DiCAT will allow patients who live far away from healthcare centres to receive care at home without having to relocate, which will have a great impact in northern regions.
“Providing the best and most advanced patient focused health care to the community of Algoma is the driving goal of the Algoma Regional Renal Program and Sault Area Hospital,” says Dr. David Berry, Nephrologist and Medical Director of the Medicine Program at Sault Area Hospital. “We are excited and proud to be working with eQOL in developing technology dedicated to that goal and making the lives of the people in our community better through improved access to health care.”
Founded in 2012, eQOL is creating innovative solutions that allow individuals living with chronic conditions to care for themselves and transition out of a hospital setting. In addition to today’s funding announcement, in 2013 a provincial investment of $100,000 was provided to eQOL to assist in the developing stages of DiCAT.
“We are happy to have the opportunity to develop our company in Sault Ste. Marie and there has been tremendous support from the people and organizations in the community,” said Binh Nguyen, President & CEO, eQOL Inc. “We have also received outstanding support from the Provincial government and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. We look forward to working in Sault Ste. Marie with its community members and building a truly great company.
